BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) is preparing for the 2026 wildfire, haze, and PM2.5 season by coordinating closely with provincial authorities across the northern region. Director-General Athapol Charoenshunsa has instructed Protected Area Regional Offices and forest-fire control units to meet with governors in their jurisdictions to establish readiness plans ahead of the dry season.
The agency has ordered all field units to accelerate fuel-management work before conditions worsen. Officials are also coordinating with the Digital Technology and Aircraft Center to boost rapid-response capability, including developing procedures that would allow DNP helicopters to be deployed directly to wildfire sites when needed.
Preparations include compiling detailed data on high-risk zones along the borders of protected forests and national reserved forests in Chiang Mai, Tak, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son. This information will guide targeted suppression strategies and the placement of surveillance posts and early-warning points matched to local fire behavior.
Authorities are also working with provincial administrations to build public understanding of wildfire-prevention rules, including restrictions on burning in forests and open areas outside approved fuel-management zones. The DNP stressed that cooperation from residents will be essential as the dry season approaches.
Several provinces have already begun outreach campaigns, such as door-to-door visits, urging people to avoid burning. Officials say they will continue to use all communication channels to alert communities, reduce fire risks, and limit the impact of haze and PM2.5 in the months ahead. (NNT)
